Welcome to the first post in a weekly series called Twitter Tuesday Profiles. Each Tuesday we will be highlighting a Twitter user that focuses on an aspect of money including budgeting, investing, or saving. Our first profile features Twitter user SavingForHome. Preferring to stay anonymous, she only wants to be known as Saving Diva. Saving Diva also writes a blog called Saving For Home where she candidly chronicles her struggle to spend wisely and save more money.
OODC: How did you get started blogging?
SD: I found a link to Madame X’s blog, MyOpenWallet.com, in Marie Claire while I was in the doctor’s office. I checked out the blog when I got back to work, and I was hooked. I started reading PF blogs. After about 6 months of reading PF blogs daily, I decided to create my own. I was making about $33k a year, and I had no idea what to do with my money. I was getting a full employer max on my 401k, but I wasn’t saving any other money. I didn’t have a place to discuss money with others, so I created my blog.
OODC: You share a lot of information about your own personal finances on your blog. Why are you so open?
SD: Since my blog is anonymous, I feel very free. I do receive a lot of helpful advice, but also hurtful criticism. I have gained so much from my readers comments. I rely on my sounding board to tell me if I’m being ridiculous.
OODC: When you started Tweeting and blogging you were still saving up to buy a home. How did that go and were you able to buy the home you were hoping to buy?
SD: I had started saving up for a down payment a few years ago. I just started setting aside money that I had made on the Internet and then from my second job. When I enrolled in graduate school, I thought buying a home would be put on hold for at least 5 years. When I found out how inexpensive real estate around my area was, I thought that I might consider purchasing something. I have an FHA loan and a small one bedroom condo. My condo is so much nicer than I had hoped for. I have a small private backyard, washer and dryer in unit, and I live in a quiet residential area.
OODC: Who are some of your favorite Twitter users?
SD: I use Twitter to keep up with my favorite bloggers. Right now, @RevancheGS is my favorite because of her adorable puppy pic! I also love to follow @brokeinthecity, and @StackingPennies
OODC: What do you hope people get out of your Tweets and blog posts?
SD: I don’t have high expectations for my posts and tweets, but I just want people to realize they’re not alone. Money is such a taboo topic that it’s hard to know the social norms. I hope that people can look at my mistakes or my accomplishments and learn something. My blog isn’t supposed to be an example or a tool to teach people how to manage their money. There are a ton of PF blogs that tell you how or what to do. My blog is just about me…and how I save/spend my money.
Thanks to Saving Diva for taking the time to give us a little insight into her life. If you would like to be considered for a Twitter Tuesday Profile, just send me a tweet.